TEXT OF STATEMENT PRESENTED TO U.S. SENATE SUB-COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT, MANPOWER AND POVERTY.

GUNDERSON, RALPH

THE CALIFORNIA STATE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY CONDUCTED A SURVEY OF LIVING CONDITIONS OF MIGRANT FARM WORKERS, OUT OF WHICH THE CALIFORNIA MIGRANT MASTER PLAN DEVELOPED. THIS STUDY DOCUMENTED THE FACT THAT 1,000 FAMILIES WERE LIVING OUT OF THEIR CARS, ON DITCH BANKS, IN FIELDS, AND UNDER BRIDGES, WITHOUT EVEN THE BASICS OF SHELTER AND SANITATION FACILITIES. BECAUSE OF THIS SITUATION, 932 PLYDOM UNITS WERE ERECTED IN 12 LOCATIONS IN 1966. NOW 500 UNITS OF A MORE DURABLE MATERIAL ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, WHICH WILL GIVE A TOTAL OF 1,551 HOUSES READY FOR OCCUPANCY. THE STATE OFFICE OF OEO IS REQUESTING PERMISSION TO CHARGE A SMALL RENTAL FEE OF UP TO $1.00 PER DAY FOR THE HOUSES. (SF)